Sunderland Eye Sevilla’s Badé – But Defender Holding Out for Champions League Move
Sunderland have been linked with a move for Sevilla centre-back Loïc Badé, but the French defender is reportedly uninterested in joining the newly promoted side — or Bournemouth, who had a £25.5 million bid turned down following the player’s refusal.
According to French outlet Foot Mercato, Badé has become a priority target for Sunderland in recent days, with both head coach Régis Le Bris and sporting director Florent Ghisolfi known admirers. However, Orgullo de Nervion now claims that Sunderland could face the same rejection Bournemouth did, as Badé is said to be holding out for a club offering Champions League football — with Bayer Leverkusen now seen as frontrunners.
Meanwhile, Sunderland remain in the market for defensive reinforcements, with Bologna’s Jhon Lucumí also on their radar. Italian journalist Nicolò Schira reports that the Colombian’s representatives are preparing for decisive talks regarding his future, while Bologna legend Gianluca Pagliuca has hinted that a substantial offer — around €30m (£26.1m) — could tempt the Serie A side to sell.
As Sunderland’s recruitment drive continues, the search for a top-tier centre-back remains firmly in focus.
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